DEVELOPERS have been given permission to build a giant airport car park on the old Adswood tip site.

People living near the controversial former landfill site, off Adswood Road, believe the plans will lead to traffic problems in the surrounding areas and fear for their safety amid uncertainties over contamination.

Developer Airparks Services Limited was given permission to build spaces for up to 2,500 cars and a reception building following a public enquiry.

The decision reveals that Airparks made a contribution of £50,000 'towards improvements in Adswood'. The report also states that the scheme would create 'between 40 and 50 permanent jobs.'

However some angry residents claim they were not consulted about the proposals.

Heather Wynne, of Midland Road, said: "The first we heard about this was when Patsy Calton knocked on my door to tell us.

"Stockport Council said they had sent letters out informing us, but we don't know anyone who received one.

"There's asbestos, animal by-products and some really nasty stuff on that site - who knows what disturbing the land might do. If I had known this was going to happen I would never have bought a house here."

Olga Stepamek, also of Midland Road, said: "We were not informed about this. It's not only the traffic disturbance, but it's the potential effects of methane gas and other toxic chemicals which frightens me."

Stockport Council has promised that part of the site, which is surrounded by the communities of Bramhall, Cheadle, Adswood and Bridgehall, will be developed as a community woodland, set to include cycle paths and play areas.

Local MP Patsy Calton plans to challenge the decision over the car park. She said: "I'm concerned that the decision was made without informing local residents.

"I had to go around knocking on doors to tell them. I've complained to the executive and I'm going to make a legal challenge to the decision."

Bramhall Councillor Les Leggett, who was furious with the decision, said: "This car park is going to be an environmental disaster.

"How can an extra 500 vehicle journeys a day in Adswood Road be justified? The decision goes against the council's supposed 'cleaner greener' sustainable policy.

"I agree the site should be re-developed, but there are more suitable uses than a 2,500 space car park."

However, Councillor Tom McGee, who agreed with the plans, said: "It has my full support.

"It will create more jobs and £50,000 is being donated to do up the shops on Adswood Road. As long as it's monitored and there are checks for any toxic waste emissions, then I don't see a problem with it."

Howard Williams, operations director for Airparks Services Limited confirmed that the company was in the process of purchasing the land and that they planned to start work within six months.

He declined to comment on the revenue the airpark was expected to make, but it is believed to be in the region of £2 million per annum.

A spokeswoman for Stockport Council denied that proper consultation procedures were not carried out.

She said: "There has been a traffic, ecological and chemical survey. Airparks Services have to monitor gas emissions and install vents to disperse the methane."